Dual-function stand with integrated pest-deterrent moat

Abstract

A stand for supporting elevated objects such as plant pot and for deterring slugs and snails comprising a flat base 106, from which extend an outer wall 110 and a raised central support 104 to define

Description

[002] In the realm of horticulture and outdoor settings, the deterring of slugs and snails remains a significant challenge. Existing solutions commonly involve the use of chemical pesticides that may harm non-target species and degrade soil quality. Chemical treatments, while effective, often pose ecological risks, thereby raising concerns about their long-term sustainability and environmental impact. Additionally, such chemicals can be harmful to pets and other non-target wildlife, thus limiting their suitability in many scenarios.

[003] Barriers like copper tapes or mesh have also been employed, but these options are often labor-intensive to install and maintain, and may become ineffective over time due to weathering. Predator baits involve the use of organisms like nematodes, but their application scope is limited and the costs can be prohibitive for larger-scale use. Furthermore, the utilization of lethal traps raises ethical questions regarding animal welfare, as these methods result in the death of the creatures.

[004] In light of these challenges, alternative non-toxic and non-lethal deterrents have been explored, yet these too have limitations. Mechanical traps often capture but do not deter, thereby requiring frequent emptying and maintenance, which is less than ideal for users seeking low-maintenance solutions.

[005] Moreover, many of these deterrent methods are singular in their function, serving only to repel slugs and snails without offering additional utility. Consequently, they consume space and resources without providing added benefits, thereby constraining their overall utility. There is also a growing demand for solutions that are versatile and applicable to a range of use-cases, from safeguarding plants to protecting outdoor furniture and accessories.

[006] Thus, while various methods exist for deterring slugs and snails, they often involve trade-offs between effectiveness, environmental impact, ethical considerations, and utility. These shortcomings in the current state of the art underscore the need for an innovative approach that addresses these multifaceted challenges in a more balanced and sustainable manner.

[007] It is within this context that the present invention is provided. Summary

[008] The invention relates to a dual-function stand designed for deterring slugs and snails. The stand features a flat upper surface for holding objects, surrounded by a water-filled moat that acts as a barrier to slugs and snails. The stand is constructed from materials that are both durable and weather-resistant, such as stainless steel or high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

[009] In some embodiments, the central support of the stand is conical, extending upwards from a flat base towards a flat central support surface. This feature is designed to provide stability and balance to objects placed atop the surface. The conical shape also aids in weight distribution, facilitating the accommodation of various objects of different shapes and sizes.

[010] In some embodiments, the flat upper surface is surrounded by a circular moat formed by the flat base and an inner surface of an outer wall sloping upwards from the base. The moat is capable of holding water or a saline solution, thereby acting as an effective barrier against slugs and snails. The depth of the moat is sufficient to deter these pests from attempting to swim or float across, thereby serving its purpose without causing harm to the creatures. [Oil] In some embodiments, the stand employs a gap between the conical central support and the inner surface of the outer wall. This design ensures that slugs and snails cannot bridge the distance between the support and the moat, even if they attempt to stretch or crawl. It further enhances the deterrent aspect of the invention, thereby minimizing the chance of pest infiltration.

[012] In some embodiments, the stand is constructed of a uniform material, possibly molded or cast, to minimize weak points or seams that might compromise the structure's integrity. Suitable materials include corrosion-resistant metals, durable polymers, or ceramics that are resistant to environmental factors such as moisture, temperature fluctuations, and UV radiation. This choice in material contributes to the stand's longevity and low maintenance requirements.

[013] In some embodiments, the design of the stand is modular and scalable. Multiple stands can be deployed in concert to support larger objects such as wooden planks or furniture. The number of stands employed can be adjusted proportionate to the weight and size of the object being elevated, thus offering a flexible approach to various use-cases.

[014] In some embodiments, the stand's flat upper surface is designed to accommodate a wide variety of objects, expanding its utility beyond plant protection. This feature allows the stand to be used for multiple purposes, such as supporting tables, wooden planks, or other garden accessories.

[015] The invention thus provides an effective, non-lethal, and environmentally responsible method for deterring slugs and snails from accessing elevated objects, while also serving the additional purpose of a support stand. Brief Description of the Drawings

[016] Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

[017] FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of the dual-function stand, emphasizing its overall structure and components.

[018] FIG. 2 presents a cross-sectional view of the stand, revealing the internal design and arrangement.

[019] FIG. 3 depicts a top-down view of the stand, underscoring the concentric layout of its elements.

[020] FIG. 4 offers a side-on view of the stand, while FIG. 5 showcases a cross-sectional side view.

[021] FIG. 6 highlights a container being supported atop the stand, illustrating the stand's practical application.

[022] FIG. 7 demonstrates the use of two dual-function stands to support an elongated plank.

[023] Common reference numerals are used throughout the figures and the detailed description to indicate like elements. One skilled in the art will readily recognize that the above figures are examples and that other architectures, modes of operation, orders of operation, and elements / functions can be provided and implemented without departing from the characteristics and features of the invention, as set forth in the claims. Detailed Description and Preferred Embodiment

[024] The following is a detailed description of exemplary embodiments to illustrate the principles of the invention. The embodiments are provided to illustrate aspects of the invention, but the invention is not limited to any embodiment. The scope of the invention encompasses numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalent; it is limited only by the claims.

[025] Numerous specific details are set forth in the following description in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced according to the claims without some or all of these specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has not been described in detail so that the invention is not unnecessarily obscured. DEFINITIONS:

[026] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention.

[027] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[028] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singular forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[029] It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[030] The terms "first," "second," and the like are used herein to describe various features or elements, but these features or elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one feature or element from another feature or element. Thus, a first feature or element discussed below could be termed a second feature or element, and similarly, a second feature or element discussed below could be termed a first feature or element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[031] The present disclosure relates to a dual-function stand designed to support elevated objects while also serving as a deterrent to slugs and snails. Specifically, the invention comprises a flat base from which a conical central support extends upwards, culminating in a flat central support surface designed for holding various objects. Surrounding the central support is an outer wall that rises from the base, forming a circular moat between the central support and the outer wall. This moat is configured to hold a liquid, such as water or a saline solution, to act as a barrier against slugs and snails. The conical central support, the flat support surface, the flat base, and the outer wall are made from a uniform material, which can be chosen from a range of suitable materials known for their durability and resistance to environmental factors.

[032] The invention accommodates a range of embodiments, providing flexibility in material selection, dimensions, and configurations. Various embodiments may include specific features such as a gap between the central support and the inner surface of the outer wall, varying depths for the circular moat, and modular scalability for supporting larger objects. These aspects of the invention will be further elucidated in subsequent sections, where example implementations will be described in detail, accompanied by references to patent drawings that illustrate the structure and components of the invention.

[033] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[034] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of the dual-function stand. The stand, generally indicated at 100, showcases a flat base (106), an ascending conical central support (104), a flat central support surface (102) at its top, and an outer wall (110) originating from the base. A circular moat (108) is formed between the central support and the outer wall.

[035] FIG. 2 offers a cross-sectional view of the stand (100), further revealing the conical design of the central support (104), the flat central support surface (102), the outer wall (110), and the circular moat (108) designed to hold a liquid barrier.

[036] FIG. 3 provides a top-down view of the stand (100), emphasizing the concentric relationship between the central support (104), the flat support surface (102), the outer wall (110), and the moat (108).

[037] In FIG. 4, an side-on view of the stand is presented, and in FIG.5, a second cross-sectional view from the side is shown.

[038] FIG. 6 shows a container (200) being supported atop the central support surface (102) of the stand (100). This depiction highlights the functional utility of the invention, allowing objects to be elevated and protected. The circular moat (108) is illustrated filled with a liquid (300), serving as the protective barrier.

[039] FIG. 7 illustrates an example where two dual function stands (100) are strategically placed at opposing ends of an elongated plank (400).

[040] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the present disclosure and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[041] The disclosed embodiments are illustrative, not restrictive. While specific configurations of the dual function stand have been described in a specific manner referring to the illustrated embodiments, it is understood that the present invention can be applied to a wide variety of solutions which fit within the scope and spirit of the claims. There are many alternative ways of implementing the invention.

[042] It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention herein described are merely illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of the illustrated embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the claims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential to the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A dual-function stand for supporting elevated objects and deterring slugs and snails, comprising:a flat base;a central support extending upwards from said flat base, terminating in a flat central support surface for holding objects;an outer wall extending upwards from said flat base, forming a moat between said central support and said outer wall, said moat configured to hold a liquid;wherein said central support, said flat central support surface, said flat base, and said outer wall are constructed from a uniform material.

2. The dual-function stand of Claim 1, wherein said uniform material is selected from a group consisting of stainless steel, high-density polyethylene (HDPE), corrosion-resistant metals, durable polymers, and ceramics.

3. The dual-function stand of Claim 1, wherein said circular moat has a depth sufficient to deter slugs and snails from attempting to swim or float across.

4. The dual-function stand of Claim 1, further comprising a gap between said central support and the inner surface of said outer wall, said gap ensuring that slugs and snails cannot bridge the distance between said central support and said moat.

5. The dual-function stand of Claim 1, wherein said flat central support surface is capable of holding objects of varying shapes and sizes, including but not limited to plant pots, wooden planks, and furniture.

6. The dual-function stand of Claim 1, wherein said stand is modular and multiple such stands can be deployed in concert to support larger objects.

7. The dual-function stand of Claim 6, wherein the number of stands employed is adjustable and proportionate to the weight and size of the object being elevated.

8. The dual-function stand of Claim 1, wherein said moat is configured to hold a saline solution.

9. The dual-function stand of Claim 1, wherein said stand is of a single-piece construction.

10. The dual-function stand of Claim 1, wherein said uniform material is resistant to environmental factors including moisture and temperature fluctuations.

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